Modi-Carney talks signal fresh start as India, Canada push to revive trade pact and strategic partnership

According to reports, the two leaders discussed ways to enhance collaboration across key sectors, signalling efforts to rebuild momentum in India-Canada relations.

Earlier in the day, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met Carney, who is on his maiden visit to India since assuming office last year.

“Delighted to call on Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada in New Delhi this morning. Appreciate his commitment towards charting a forward-looking partnership,” Jaishankar wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said Ottawa is once again exploring a formal free trade agreement with India as part of efforts to deepen economic engagement.

In an interview with CTV News, Champagne said the federal government is actively exploring a deal and indicated renewed momentum in strengthening bilateral trade ties.

He added that Carney “wants to go much faster,” highlighting several trade agreements Canada has signed in recent months.

Champagne, who is accompanying Carney on the official visit, described the trip as part of a broader effort to rebuild relations after tensions escalated in 2023.

Speaking separately to CNBC-TV18, he termed the visit “historic,” citing evolving global dynamics and growing strategic alignment between the two economies.

PM meets the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. Mark Carney at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on March 02, 2026.

“We’ve been meeting business leaders and discussing fintech, critical minerals, energy and natural resources,” Champagne said. “Canada is seen as a stable, predictable G7 partner. I think this is a win-win moment.”

He noted that India, now the fourth-largest economy and the fastest-growing in the G20, is a crucial partner for Canada as it looks to expand its global economic footprint.

Earlier, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India and Canada are preparing to formalise negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with talks expected to advance during Carney’s visit.